09-12-2024 - On This Day in Insane History

On September 12th, 1709, the people of Pirna, Germany were perplexed by a most unusual sight in the skies above their village. As the townsfolk went about their morning tasks, an odd metallic glint caught the eye of old Johannes, the town blacksmith. Looking up, he could hardly believe his ruddy eyes. Floating calmly a hundred yards above was what could only be described as a "shining box."

Old Johannes let out a mighty yell to alert the others, who came running thinking the village was under attack. But when they gazed upon the strange spectacle in the heavens, all theories of invasion were cast aside. Hovering silently, this object seemed to carefully study them as much they studied it.

The children of Pirna were especially enchanted. Young Anna thought it a gift from God, while Mischa believed it an omen of good fortune. But others feared the intent of this interloper, whatever its origins. That was until, as quickly as it had appeared, the shining box tilted slightly, shot straight up at a tremendous speed, and was gone.

The villagers could only stare open-mouthed at the now empty sky. Word of the encounter soon spread across Saxony. While most dismissed it as folly, the people of Pirna knew what they saw. To this day, the event remains a mystery. But for those few moments in September 1709, something not of this world paid Pirna an inexplicable visit, a few centuries too early for its time.